Pasta with basil and tomato
This Pasta with Basil and Tomato combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and crunchy pine nuts in a simple yet flavorful Italian dish. Perfect for a quick meal, it's tossed with olive oil and parmesan for a satisfying finish.
Cook time 8 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
3/4 cup olive oil16 oz pasta
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
This delightful recipe for Pasta with Basil and Tomato is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of Italy to your table. Combining fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and rich parmesan cheese, it is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with friends and family. The added pine nuts give it a satisfying crunch, making it a truly versatile and delicious meal.
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown, stirring frequently. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the tomato and garlic mixture.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Stir in the toasted pine nuts and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue to heat for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, fresh pasta with basil and tomato dish.
Pasta with Basil and Tomato is a beautifully simple yet elegant dish that embodies the fresh flavors of its ingredients. With the right preparation and a few handy tips, you'll be able to enjoy this classic Italian meal any night of the week. Whether it's for a family dinner or a gathering of friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Pasta with basil and tomato FAQ:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which usually takes between 8 to 12 minutes depending on the type of pasta used.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different flavor and texture. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the dish's overall taste.
Long pasta types like spaghetti or fettuccine typically work best, but you can use any type you prefer or have on hand, such as penne or fusilli.
Sauté the garlic until it is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t turn brown, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
Cooking Tips:
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water can be used to adjust the sauce's consistency.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for better texture and taste.
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 630kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 90g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 5g
Fat 66g
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